The Dobbs Diner...

[rlk]

Hanover Square

Deep dark bittersweet chocolate. Sweatband split is from rain infiltration.

 

[scottyrocks]

Deep dark bittersweet chocolate. Sweatband split is from rain infiltration.

Great proportions. And I love the color.

 

[danofarlington]

Deep dark bittersweet chocolate. Sweatband split is from rain infiltration.

Very cool-looking hat, suitable for wear in 2010. I am a fan of retaining good hats in their original dimensions, like not cutting the brim, because the good hats seem to be made with a balance in mind of dimensions, color, ribbon, and so on. Myself, I would feel free to change the ribbon as I'm not a wide-ribbon guy, but for example, on a hat like that it would be a shame to alter anything else--and maybe not even the ribbon for someone so inclined. On second thought, not even I as a narrow-ribbon guy would dare change that ribbon, because it works well.

Not that anyone suggested altering that particular hat--I'm just saying it's a prime example of why IMHO most hats probably ought to be left un-amputated for best results, the designer having had a balance in mind, as illustrated above. Getting a look and a balance right is probably not easy, and for mass production, you want to guess right if you're doing it. It's one reason why I admire Borsalinos so much, even more the vintage ones--they spin out an elegance that rises above many others. I am not familiar with Hanover Square, but obviously they achieved the same thing with that hat.

 

[Brad Bowers]

Deep dark bittersweet chocolate. Sweatband split is from rain infiltration.

Nice! Any sign of an OPS tag? Is there a safe way to look under the sweat without damaging it further to see if it has the '40s or the the '50s-style factory tag?

Thanks,

Brad

 

[mayserwegener]

Robert, Again a great find! As noted super color combo (felt and ribbon) + proportions!

 

[rlk]

Nice! Any sign of an OPS tag? Is there a safe way to look under the sweat without damaging it further to see if it has the '40s or the the '50s-style factory tag?

Thanks,

Brad

I suspect mid-50's. Brim is 2-3/8" while some Hanover Square are 2-1/2".

 

[Brad Bowers]

Good to know, then. Looks like there was some overlap between the slanted Dobbs and the Coach logo, as the Coach logo I have now revised to approximately 1952 or 1953 for first appearance.

Brad

 

[rlk]

more on the O-VO-LO Edge

 

[rlk]

Dobbs ? w/ felted welt edge

2-7/8" brim with Improved Felted Welt Edge. 5-3/4" open crown. A fairly firm felt that is less finished than usual. No liner size tag or signs of stitching but a couple of tape remnants under sweatband.

 

[Brad Bowers]

Sweet! Too bad the liner's gone.

Brad

 

[rlk]

Dobbs Rainbow

Very thin, light soft and floppy suede finish felt-barely supports its own weight. The 3" brim has two rows of zig-zag stitches widely spaced but a raw edge. 5-7/8" open crown. The pleated pug-ribbon is almost like canvas with a trailing frayed edge on the bow. Unfortunately no floppy-trout liner or fly stuck in ribbon.

 

[rlk]

Somewhere O-vo-lo Rainbow Dobbs

1940

Note "DOBBS GUILD with felted welt edge" before 1944 "Guild Edge"

 

[DanielJones]

Wow! Now that is one spiffy looking fishing hat. Well done! :eusa_clap
You have such a great variety of hats.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[rlk]

Dobbs Gilt Edge Blue Heather '38

A little thicker felt than a Cross Country. Was crumpled with some firm creases so really needs a re-block.

 

[Gumbo Book]

Keep 'em coming.

 

[fmw]

Very thin, light soft and floppy suede finish felt-barely supports its own weight. The 3" brim has two rows of zig-zag stitches widely spaced but a raw edge. 5-7/8" open crown. The pleated pug-ribbon is almost like canvas with a trailing frayed edge on the bow. Unfortunately no floppy-trout liner or fly stuck in ribbon.

You did a very nice job with that.

 

[hatophile]

Here's my theory:

rlk has a time machine, so he goes back 40-60 years and finds these incredible vintage hats, buys them and brings them back to the present. Very nice of him to share them with us.

 

[rlk]

Here's my theory:

rlk has a time machine, so he goes back 40-60 years and finds these incredible vintage hats, buys them and brings them back to the present. Very nice of him to share them with us.

You'll have to consult JtL...Bodie is in charge of the time machine.

 

[RBH]

Robert, I love that Rainbow.
The sporty style hats from back in the day all seem so cool!

 

[Mario]

Robert...that's one beautiful hat. I love the proportions, I love the color - and the stitching is just gorgeous. Amazing triple stitching and I LOVE the sweat with the embossed Dobbs logo. :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap